Grant: DRA : Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral Program (CGRS D)

Concussions are a growing health problem, especially for working-age adults (25-65 years old) who represent over half of Canadians affected by concussions. Unlike athletes and children who receive significant research attention, working adults are understudied despite facing unique challenges, with females often experiencing different symptoms and recovery patterns than males. When adults return to work too soon, they struggle with complex workplace tasks that require coordinated thinking and movement-skills that current medical tests don't measure. My Research Goal: I am studying how concussion history and biological sex influence the brain's ability to coordinate thinking and movement in working-age adults. This research aims to enhance understanding of how concussions affect function even when symptoms appear resolved, potentially putting people at risk when returning to work. What I Am Doing: I am studying 90 adults in three groups (equal males and females): healthy controls and people with concussion history. Participants will complete two types of testing: 1. Cognitive-Motor Integration Testing: Participants complete tablet touchscreen finger-sliding tasks assessing how effectively the brain coordinates thinking and movement simultaneously-skills essential for workplace activities like using a computer. 2. Balance Testing in Virtual Reality: Participants are exposed to visual motion that challenges balance-mimicking situations like navigating crowded spaces. Why This Matters: Current medical tests often miss subtle issues that affect workplace performance and safety. Understanding how concussions impact working adults helps develop effective tools to prevent risky early returns and re-injuries. This research can inform evidence-based guidelines for safer return-to-work decisions and rehabilitation, enhancing health outcomes for over half of Canadians affected by concussions and reducing healthcare costs.